8 Healthier Hanukkah Recipes

Hanukkah, the Jewish “Festival of Lights,” dictates indulging in a fried feast of latkes and doughnuts to honor the reclaiming of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and a miraculous celebration—when a day’s worth of oil burned for eight. But there are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy holiday fare without getting weighed down by oily fats and extra calories. We’ve rounded up inventive recipes — vegetable latkes, baked doughnuts, whole-wheat challah and more — that put a healthy spin on Hanukkah favorites. L’chaim!

1. Curry Vegetables LatkesNothing says Hanukkah like the hiss and aroma of latkes frying in a pan! Instead of using potatoes, try this veggie-fortified version that uses a mix of zucchini and carrot shreds. We recommend topping your pancakes with applesauce or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Photo and Recipe: Tori / The Shiksa Blog

2. Crock Pot ApplesauceSlow cooking fruit allows for the natural sweetness to seep out, so there’s no need to add sugar to this recipe. Be sure to start it well before your latkes though — it takes over six hours to reach perfection. If you want a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to break up chunks. Photo and Recipe: Melissa / My Whole Food Life

4. Gluten-Free Chicken SchnitzelIf you have the chutzpah to break with tradition and forgo your classic brisket, try this low-carb chicken that’s breaded with almond meal. When making a second batch, be sure to refresh the oil otherwise your schnitzels will come out looking like schmutz. Photo and Recipe: Tori / The Shiksa Blog

5. Whole Wheat ChallahHolla for challah? This recipe uses rolled oats and whole-wheat flour, which will fill you up with extra fiber and heart-healthy grains. Pro tip: Make challah French toast with your leftovers! Photo and Recipe: Barbara / Barbara Bakes

6. Noodle KugelPut a lighter spin on creamy, decadent pasta pudding. The secret ingredient? Unsweetened applesauce! The kugel’s flavor intensifies if you leave it in the fridge overnight, so prepare it a day or so before serving. Photo and Recipe: Michelle / Michelle’s Healthy Bites

7. Rugelach CookiesBite-sized desserts are perfect for Hanukkah entertaining. Use Greek yogurt as a substitute for cream cheese in the cookie dough, and spread your favorite jam on before rolling them up. Photo and Recipe: Winnie / Healthy Green Kitchen

8. Vegan Baked ApplesNo Hanukkah celebration is complete without some dessert, and these gooey baked apples will make the celebration extra sweet. At just 103 calories per half apple, they won’t induce eight crazy bloated nights. Photo and Recipe: Emily Miller / Life by DailyBurn